Sarah Pratt...or Miss Pratt to some of you, joined Lady Barn at the age of 18. Since then, she has grown with the Early Years department and seen so many children come and go. Sarah is sadly left Lady Barn last half-term and has moved on to a new venture at Pownall School. However, we couldn't let her leave without spilling some of her favourite memories!

So, when did you join Lady Barn? 

I joined Lady Barn nearly 14 years ago in September 2007. 

What was Lady Barn like back then? How has it changed? 

Obviously, the buildings and rooms have changed. I’ve watched so many friends and colleagues come through the department and I’ve had the experience of working with so many great people and learnt a lot from them but the school’s ethos and family-like atmosphere has always remained the same. It’s been such a happy place throughout the years and seeing the children grow up from Nursery to Year 6 and beyond is always such an amazing feeling. It’s always lovely to see pupils return to things like the Christmas Fair and remember that I taught them. Naturally, the school has grown but I definitely feel like I’ve grown with it.  

Any special memories or trips that you will take with you? 

So many memories and so many trips! One of my all-time favourites is definitely Stockley Farm but even taking the Nursery to Sainsbury's was great fun. I love teaching them little life-skills lessons! A funny memory I have is from my first day here. I was sitting with Mrs Beer and Miss Jennings in the morning and Mrs Yule, the Headmistress at the time, introduced me to everyone. Elaine Yeates, a former teacher here, turned around and said “Sarah Pratt as in the Sarah Pratt I taught at playgroup?!”. And it was! Little things like that give Lady Barn its family feeling!  

But I think ultimately the most rewarding memory I’ll take away is watching the children progress and seeing where they go after Lady Barn. We have built their foundations and then get to watch their journeys. It’s definitely something I will take away with me.  

Has anyone inspired you over your time here? 

Everyone! I love watching and learning from other teachers. One of the first TA’s I met here was Miss Pannell and I learnt so much from her, as well as Miss Jennings. Everyone has given me the confidence to grow and it’s been such a family. 

What do you think you’ll miss the most? 

Lady Barn feels like a family and I feel like part of the furniture. I’ve been so supported and I will always be grateful for that. When I took the job, I remembered saying to my parents, it’s a school I really want to be a part of. And the journey has been amazing, from being so young from when I started, I’ve grown in confidence and as a person. I will miss everyone, from the staff to the children.  

And lastly, will you stay in touch!? 

Absolutely, without a doubt! How could I not! 

What a pleasure it was chatting to Sarah (Miss Pratt). We wish you all the best for the future and for your new adventure. We know you’ll be very missed by both pupils and staff and we hope to see you soon!